C230 / C280 / C300 / C350 V6 (M272)
2007–2011 · petrol · 3498cc · 272hp
Engine codes: M272
Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Mercedes Benz C-Class W204 C230 / C280 / C300 / C350 V6 (M272). Check this before you buy used.
The M272 3.5 V6 petrol is smooth and strong but thirsty in the heavy ML, and early examples (roughly 2005–2008) are known for balance-shaft / idler-gear wear — the gear teeth wear and throw a timing-correlation fault, an expensive engine-out repair. Mercedes revised the gear later. A post-2008 car, or an early one with the balance-shaft work done/verified, is fine; an unknown early M272 is a real risk. Otherwise the usual cam-adjuster and gasket items.
Same engine, other cars
This is the same physical engine (M272) sold under different names across brands. Reliability is broadly shared — cross-check these:
Known Issues
2007–2008 V6s have a balance-shaft gear that wears prematurely, throwing camshaft-correlation codes (P0016 etc.) — repair is engine-out and expensive.
Fix / Workaround: Check engine serial against the affected range; verify whether the updated gear was fitted. Avoid affected, unfixed cars.
Repair cost: €2000–€4500
Typically appears after: 100,000 km
Some carbon and ancillary wear with age, otherwise robust.
Fix / Workaround: Routine servicing.
Repair cost: €100–€500
Soft-metal balance-shaft gear wears, throwing timing (P0016 etc.). Affects 2004–2008 serials below 2729..30 468993. Engine-out repair, $4,000+.
Fix / Workaround: Check engine serial vs the affected range; verify whether fixed. Avoid affected, unfixed cars.
Repair cost: €2500–€4500
Typically appears after: 100,000 km
Problematic intake manifold, oil leaks and short-lived timing components on the M272 family.
Fix / Workaround: Address as they arise.
Repair cost: €200–€900
Early M272 balance-shaft/idler gear wears → timing-correlation fault; expensive engine-out fix.
Fix / Workaround: Check for camshaft-correlation codes; revised gear; verify history.
Repair cost: €1500–€3500
Typically appears after: 120,000 km
Cam adjusters (magnets) and gaskets niggle with age.
Fix / Workaround: Replace adjusters/gaskets as needed.
Repair cost: €200–€800
Year Cutoffs
Mileage Thresholds
After 100,000 km: Balance-shaft wear surfaces on affected serials.
After 150,000 km: Balance-shaft risk (early cars).
Fault Codes to Scan
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- ☐Check engine serial vs the balance-shaft affected range
- ☐Scan for P0016 / cam-correlation codes
- ☐Prefer 2009+ or a documented-fixed car
- ☐Otherwise the better petrol choice over the 1.8 M271
- ☐Check engine serial vs affected range
- ☐Scan for P0016
- ☐Prefer later serials / documented-fixed cars
- ☐Early car: balance-shaft/correlation history
- ☐Prefer 2008+
- ☐Thirsty — diesel is the sensible ML
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mercedes Benz C-Class W204 C230 / C280 / C300 / C350 V6 (M272) reliable?
History-Dependent — The M272 3.5 V6 petrol is smooth and strong but thirsty in the heavy ML, and early examples (roughly 2005–2008) are known for balance-shaft / idler-gear wear — the gear teeth wear and throw a timing-correlation fault, an expensive engine-out repair. Mercedes revised the gear later. A post-2008 car, or an early one with the balance-shaft work done/verified, is fine; an unknown early M272 is a real risk. Otherwise the usual cam-adjuster and gasket items.
What are the common problems and reviews for the Mercedes Benz C-Class W204 C230 / C280 / C300 / C350 V6 (M272)?
The most commonly reported problems: Balance shaft gear wear (early serials), Carbon / general wear, Balance shaft gear wear (affected serials), Intake manifold / oil leaks, Balance-shaft / idler-gear wear (early), Camshaft adjuster / gaskets.
Is a used Mercedes Benz C-Class W204 C230 / C280 / C300 / C350 V6 (M272) worth buying?
The engine itself is OK; condition is everything. Unknown or patchy history = walk away.